Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Speaking during the New Year Diplomatic Briefing at State House, Nairobi, the President emphasized Kenya’s commitment to offering dialogue venues, humanitarian corridors, and coordination with regional and international partners to address the situation.
The warning comes as the U.N.’s funding structure shows increasing strain. The United States, which provides 22 percent of the core budget, has reduced voluntary payments to agencies and delayed mandatory contributions to the regular and peacekeeping budgets.
The UN chief’s appeal comes as clashes in Jonglei disrupt local communities and hinder aid operations.
Prolonged drought, ongoing conflicts, and recurring disease outbreaks have left communities struggling to survive, while cuts in international funding are making it harder to reach those most in need.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, descended into civil war in 2013, two years after gaining independence, when President Salva Kiir accused Machar of planning a coup.
Meanwhile, the United States has initiated a separate operation to relocate high-risk IS detainees from the region. US Central Command confirmed that up to 7,000 suspected fighters could be transferred to Iraq, with 150 already moved to a "secure location" across the border.
Trump said the board brings together “the top leaders in the world” at a time when global stability, in his view, has markedly improved under his second administration.
Mudavadi said elevating Nairobi’s role would enhance operational coordination among UN agencies already headquartered in the city, while also creating employment opportunities for Kenyans.
Israel also cited repeated “virulent anti-Israel reports” from UNCTAD and ESCWA as reasons for its disengagement. The UN Alliance of Civilisations was described as “a platform for attacks against Israel,” while UN Energy was labelled “a wasteful organisation” reflecting the UN’s “excessive and inefficient bureaucracy.”
The African Union Commission expressed hope that continued dialogue between the United States, the United Nations, and other international partners would help sustain critical multilateral functions, while also improving efficiency and accountability.
The announcement from Washington follows a sweeping move by the Trump administration to leave 66 international organisations, including 31 UN agencies. Some of these institutions were originally set up with strong US support.
In December, relief efforts supported about 80,000 families, distributing more than 40,000 tents, over 135,000 tarpaulins, and other essential items like mattresses and blankets.